To The Lancet Editorial Board Thursday, 5th March 2015

Dr Richard Horton, Dr Astrid James

CC: Pam Das, Sabine Kleinert, William Summerskill

Dear Dr Horton and Dr James,

The Lancet’s representation o n social media (Twitter) 4 th March 2015

I am writing to express my concern about the Lancet’s representation on Twitter yesterday where I, alongside several other ME sufferers, was called a bully by one of your senior editors, Ms Pam Das (see enclosure). Without any justification she then proceeded to block several ME patients, including myself, who had been involved, or just tagged into, a perfectly polite Twitter discussion. I do not know Ms Pam Das nor have I tweeted anything that would justify my being blocked by a senior editor of The Lancet. I am aware that persons online, especially women, are subjected to varying degrees of abuse but as a research associate and blogger I am appalled that a senior editor of The Lancet would resort to blocking me for posing a politely worded question (see enclosure). Ms Pam Das has a public role representing The Lancet, which is why I would appreciate it if she could explain why she felt justified in accusing an entire community of being bullies. I would also appreciate an explanation of The Lancet’s policy regarding engagement in the public sphere.

Do you or do you not encourage public engagement and dialogue? Do you or do you not wish to receive feedback from people about whose illness you publish

papers or express opinions on Twitter? As for yesterday’s matter, some of your readers are both ill and researchers, so are they

partially ”bullies” and partially esteemed readers or are the alleged bullies merely those who disagree with Ms Das’ opinions?

Do Ms Das’ opinions expressed on Twitter represent the view of The Lancet or are they her personal views? If the latter what is The Lancet’s position regarding treating a vulnerable group in such a fashion?

As Ms Pam Das accused a community of sufferers of being bullies in the public domain I will post this letter to my blog, enabling your and my readers to partake of our correspondence. I am passionate about knowledge production and dissemination and believe in public debate that is conducted in a respectful manner.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely

Dr. Claudia Gillberg, PhD

claudiagillberg@gmail.com

@DrCGillberg

Enclosure (1): Screen-saved tweets

Enclosure (1)